LQ9 Cam Upgrade
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 3
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From: OC
LQ9 Cam Upgrade Not sure where to start…I have searched up, down and around this site and now I’m more confused than ever.
Working with a junkyard special LQ9 with 317 heads. The initial goal was to drop it in my 72 Nova without doing much work but new seals and whatnot… but after digging in we decided it will be best to send into the machine shop for a refresh/rebuild.
And since I’m going through all that might as well get some more HP out of her… My goal, ~400hp smooth street runner.
From what I gather, upgrading the cam with springs should get me in the ballpark? All the other components I plan to go stock OEM GM parts (timing chain, lifters, oil pump, etc.).
What setup y’all suggest? I’m having a hard time understanding how to pick a cam let alone match it with the necessary components for a smooth runner.
Working with a junkyard special LQ9 with 317 heads. The initial goal was to drop it in my 72 Nova without doing much work but new seals and whatnot… but after digging in we decided it will be best to send into the machine shop for a refresh/rebuild.
And since I’m going through all that might as well get some more HP out of her… My goal, ~400hp smooth street runner.
From what I gather, upgrading the cam with springs should get me in the ballpark? All the other components I plan to go stock OEM GM parts (timing chain, lifters, oil pump, etc.).
What setup y’all suggest? I’m having a hard time understanding how to pick a cam let alone match it with the necessary components for a smooth runner.
I’d give cam motion or one of the other companies a call that can tailor you a specific cam.
how concerned are you with drivability?
max rpm?
auto/manual, and gear ratio?
I’ll say that 400hp is so easy with an lq9, you’d really have to try to not hit that mark.
how concerned are you with drivability?
max rpm?
auto/manual, and gear ratio?
I’ll say that 400hp is so easy with an lq9, you’d really have to try to not hit that mark.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,615
From: Central Cal.
An LQ9 makes 345 HP STOCK.
There are drop in cams capable of 50HP increase that use stock springs due to low lift, but it's a good idea to upgrade to at least LS2/3 or LS6 beehives.
There are drop in cams capable of 50HP increase that use stock springs due to low lift, but it's a good idea to upgrade to at least LS2/3 or LS6 beehives.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 526
Depending on your goals short and long for the future.
Cam maybe 215I/220E .600 lift 114 CL. That would mean you would need better valve springs and push rods. Maybe swap out the 317's for L92's kind of depending on your intake setup.
A car buddy of mine has the combo I listed above in a 71 Nova with a TKO 600. Chassis dyno tune it did 410 RWHP. Per the tuner it was super easy to tune. Runs great on the street.
Cam maybe 215I/220E .600 lift 114 CL. That would mean you would need better valve springs and push rods. Maybe swap out the 317's for L92's kind of depending on your intake setup.
A car buddy of mine has the combo I listed above in a 71 Nova with a TKO 600. Chassis dyno tune it did 410 RWHP. Per the tuner it was super easy to tune. Runs great on the street.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,615
From: Central Cal.
Depending on your goals short and long for the future.
Cam maybe 215I/220E .600 lift 114 CL. That would mean you would need better valve springs and push rods. Maybe swap out the 317's for L92's kind of depending on your intake setup.
A car buddy of mine has the combo I listed above in a 71 Nova with a TKO 600. Chassis dyno tune it did 410 RWHP. Per the tuner it was super easy to tune. Runs great on the street.
Cam maybe 215I/220E .600 lift 114 CL. That would mean you would need better valve springs and push rods. Maybe swap out the 317's for L92's kind of depending on your intake setup.
A car buddy of mine has the combo I listed above in a 71 Nova with a TKO 600. Chassis dyno tune it did 410 RWHP. Per the tuner it was super easy to tune. Runs great on the street.
A cam, ALONE, milder than the one you state will do a 50HP increase EASILY.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 389
From: Alaska
I put an LQ9 in wife's Tahoe.
Runs REALLY well with Texas Speed 212/218 .550" Low-Lift cam. LS6 springs.
Heavy 4WD rig, stock 3.73 gears, and it runs VERY strong.
Smooth idle at 725 rpm, about 19 degrees spark advance.
Still gets 13 mpg city- 17 mpg highway no valve clatter, or racket.
Runs REALLY well with Texas Speed 212/218 .550" Low-Lift cam. LS6 springs.
Heavy 4WD rig, stock 3.73 gears, and it runs VERY strong.
Smooth idle at 725 rpm, about 19 degrees spark advance.
Still gets 13 mpg city- 17 mpg highway no valve clatter, or racket.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: OC
Thanks for everyone’s input! I ended up calling BTR and telling them what I was looking for. I ended up ordering the BTR Truck stage 2 cam kit. Along with that I plan to pickup some LS7 lifters.
Next stage is to figure out the accessory bracket. I have the truck one but we will see. I was told the C5 (i think…) will work well but if not mistaken the power steering pump is located above the alternator? I dont like the idea of that.
Next stage is to figure out the accessory bracket. I have the truck one but we will see. I was told the C5 (i think…) will work well but if not mistaken the power steering pump is located above the alternator? I dont like the idea of that.